They’re Getting Points for Accuracy

It doesn’t mean the Laker offense is prolific again, but after making half of their shots only four times in the first 28 games, the Lakers have shot 50% or better five times in seven games, and they’ve won all five.

Shaquille O’Neal has made 56 of his last 82 shots (68.3%), but what the Lakers have needed is something resembling a perimeter game. While it doesn’t have to be as flashy as Kobe Bryant’s 12-for-18 three-point shooting performance Tuesday night, a few true jump shots would go a long way toward erasing the first two months of the season.

“This is important for us,” Coach Phil Jackson said, “especially the way teams are doubling the post.

“We have to have it if we’re going to use that as a counterpunch to the inside game.”

Even with his one-for-nine shooting Saturday in Phoenix, Rick Fox has made 19 of 38 shots (and five for 14 three-pointers), and Derek Fisher has made 34 of 68 shots (and nine for 18 three-pointers) since mid-December.

Now, as soon as they start defending with some energy ...

“The defense still has to be the thing we hang our hat on,” Jackson said.

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O’Neal, on the NBA All-Interview team last year, has not spoken to the media after a game in more than a month. He leaves Staples Center most nights through the kitchen.... The Lakers did not practice Wednesday. They’ll return to the court today and play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.... Samaki Walker suffered a slight hyperextension of his knee against the SuperSonics. He expects to play against Cleveland.... Bryant’s three-point shooting records came at a rare home game in which his wife, Vanessa, did not attend. They are expecting their first child, a girl, in about a month.... The NBA record for three-point attempts in a game is 20, by George McCloud and Michael Adams.